Video: What the recalled Lexus LS steering wheel defect looks like

Toyota seems to have learned from its recent brushes with the law over how the company handles its recalls. While the automaker has been judged to be less than transparent in both the floor mat and unintended acceleration sagas, the company has responded to recent Lexus LS recalls with plenty of information for both owners and the public at large. Example, you ask? How about the video after the jump? Toyota has apparently released a quick flick showing exactly what happens when the design defect rears its ugly head on the range-topping sedan. Apparently, if a driver turns the steering wheel to full lock in one direction and then rapidly turns it back the opposite direction, the steering wheel won't center itself even though the vehicle is traveling straight.

Eventually, the variable gear-ratio system will allow the steering wheel to right itself, but it takes its sweet time. Only around 3,800 of the vehicles with this problem are actually roaming U.S. highways, and all of them are eligible for a free fix. Toyota has said that the problem is both mechanical and software related.

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Anonymous

Anonymous

4 Years Ago

Yes, whiskers, the posting engine sucks. I always have to Ctrl-C my comments (like just now), because it usually takes at least two tries to get them to take. Plus I have to type in my password again, and uncheck the "e-mail me" box. Epic Fail.

Anonymous

Anonymous

4 Years Ago

GM invented variable ratio power steering and this never happened to a GM car. If the steering wheel can move Independently of the movement of the front wheels then it has to be a drive by wire system like I said. And it makes sense; they have to make right and left hand drive versions of this car, and it would be cheaper and easier if it is a by wire system. Also with no column the crumple zones can work in a more controlled way with no worry of intrusion.